Boots McBlog

For years in my little professional office world ( and off-and-on since 5th grade for that matter), my hairstyle of choice was the sleek blond bob. It served it’s purpose. Clean. Easy. All American.

When my birthday rolled around last year, I suddenly realized the “women over 40 shouldn’t have long hair” deadline was looming a few years away. Couple that with the timing of my “creative sabbatical”, it was the perfect opportunity to grow out my classic coif one last time. Long hair does allow versatility that I’ve embraced. Curling. straightening. beachy waves. Mod -sleek . Of all looks, my favorite hairstyle is … the ponytail. Several fashion shows this spring featured high ponytails. They are a welcome change from the ladylike lower ponytails of the past. Plus more and more celebrities are stepping out wearing jeans or ballgowns with the classic “do”.

image via www.thisisglamorous.com

image via www.instylemag.com

Tricks to make this hairstyle look more party than poolside requires the right tools. Backcombing ( otherwise known as “ratting” / teasing) hair with a “lift” comb and SUPER hold hairspray, smoothing hair back and securing it high on the head ( avoid the bump-it look, please) will achieve the look.

One of the makeup / hair artists I’ve worked with on several photo shoots swears by SAMY Fat Hair 0 Calories. Personally, she’s used it time and time again on my fine hair when I’ve attended special events. I must say, not only does it have great hold – everytime I use this dollar store spray The Angler raves about the scent. ( Kinda makes me wonder why I bother with expensive French parfum when the $12 hairspray will suffice)

via www.instyle.com

For a more relaxed vibe, I love this whispy, Bridgette Bardot inspired ponytail above. A partial part down the middle allows hair to frame your face and bring attention to eyes and cheekbones. Goody makes great clear elastics or elastics especially for brunette or blond hair that make it easy to firmly secure the pony at ear level.

Surprisingly, I’ve also found myself opting for the side ponytail for a couple of dressier events, lately. At one point I thought, “that’s totally 80′s” Then I saw a few friends with their curled hair spilling over a bare shoulder. Quite an elegant, stunning look. So, I did what all good friends do, I copied them. Its definitely a much cooler option for outdoor celebrations and controls the fly-away frizziness southern humidity inflicts.

So, when you get a chance to attend a summer party with friends where you can relax and let down your hair. why not pull it up in the perfect ponytail.

Hope you have a fabulous father’s day weekend ahead of you.

Hugs & Cheers, Y’all!

Saturday was the celebration of nuptials of  Kyle & Kate.  It was a glorious event.    Belle Vie Artistry ( The joint venture between Heather Owens and me)  had the privilege of shooting the happy  (hot) day.   Despite the heat,  it was  fun and we can’t wait to show you the shots of just how much fun it was.   We snapped a few bridals of Kate a few weeks ago.  These are a few from my lens.  I must say Kate is the epitome of the Belle Vie Bride  Heather and I imagined: elegant, classic, easy going, and all around FUN.    Kate, we so appreciate  you giving us the honor of capturing this beautiful moment in your life.

I may have grown up on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, but I’ve never been one to adjust well to the stickiness of a southern Summertime…especially when it arrives ahead of schedule.     I don’t know how the Southern Belles  pre Air Conditioning didn’t  ”glisten” to death.  I ,at last, have learned one of their secrets…. perfumed dusting powder.

As a child,  my mom always had perfumed powdered on her bathroom vanity.   After a long, bubble bath, I would douse the lavish puff then myself with the scented talcum. What fun to make such a fragrant mess.    Honestly,  as an adult,  I had forgotten all about this until I happened across  Hové Perfumed Powder – a true southern treat. Founded in 1931 by Mrs. Alvin Hovey King,  this perfumer is still distributing scents of the south from their boutique on Royal Street in New Orleans.  My favorite varieties are the Spanish Moss and Tea Olive.   Its a big treat for a small price and makes for a great “happy” gift for a friend.    In Little Rock,  you can snag 1.8 oz shaker of this NOLA decadence for $25 at B. Barnett.

If you want a more modern or classic scent,  Prada,  Quelques Fleurs ( my standard scent of choice), and Acqui di Parma also have dusting powder options available at higher price points available  at Neimans.   Whatever your choosing – a layer all over  keeps skin dry, silky, and lightly scented all day.    It’s a nice departure from the heaviness of lotions and parfums that stick in humid air.    I must  warn you – if you go with my current fave- the New Orleans bred Hové Powder – You’ll probably find yourself also wanting beignettes for breakfast – dusted with powdered sugar,  of course.

Cheers!

HOT summer days have arrived ahead of schedule, and we are all searching for the perfect way to cool off.   Years ago,  a dear friend was expecting the mid summer arrival of her twins.  While the rest of us could partake of an icy mexican beverage to beat the heat, she sat sweltering drinking her water.   I surprised her with this recipe and it’s been a favorite of  hers and mine ever since.

It’s a perfect finish to a summertime meal from the grill.   The reduced fat ice cream  makes it more likely to enjoy your place by the pool.

Cheers!

Margarita Pie

1/2 cup butter

5 oz pretzels

1 TBSP granulated sugar

1/4 cup tequila

1/2 gallon of low fat vanilla ice cream, softened

3 oz can of frozen limeade concentrate, thawed

3 TBSP Grand Marnier/ Triple Sec

1 whole lime, – juice  ( about 3 TBSP)

1 Tbsp of lime zest

Garnish:   Canned whipped cream,  round slices of lime.

Note:  Prepare night before or hours before serving.

In food processor, crush pretzels with sugar and butter.  Press into bottom and sides of 9 in round pie plate.  Freeze one hour.    In a large mixing bowl, mix remaining ingredients until well combined.   Pour into pie crust and freeze.   Top each slice with a round slice of lime a dollop of whipped cream.